Department H is a division of the Canadian Ministry of Defense. Its specific role within the ministry is the monitoring of superhuman activity within Canada and also the organization and training of Canada’s premiere super heroes, Alpha Flight and the training teams, Beta Flight and Gamma Flight. The short-lived heroic Omega Flight, though, was not run by Department H. Instead, it fell under the umbrella of the Canadian Secret Intelligence Service and the American SHIELD. While Department H itself (the building and its operations) will be dealt with in an eventual “X-Marks the Spot” entry, this article serves as a directory for all the known staff that has worked for Department H.
During the times they were sponsored by the Canadian government, Alpha Flight usually had an official liaison of some sorts. Initially, this person would be a true liaison between Alpha Flight and the government, acknowledging the interests of both sides. However, as time went on, the liaison would often put the needs and security issues of the government first, spying on Alpha Flight and manipulating its members.
Gary Cody
First appearance: Alpha Flight (1st series) #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (1st series) #92, 1-2, X-Men / Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1-2, Alpha Flight (1st series) #13, 29-30, 39, 51-52
Title: Department H governmental liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Gary Cody was Alpha Flight’s first known official governmental liaison.
- Generally supportive of Alpha Flight as its government liaison, Gary even remained their “unofficial” liaison to the government when Department H was shut down for the first time. Though he was instrumental in getting Alpha Flight and Department H funding again, he later became paranoid and suspicious about Alpha Flight and sought to control them. He even created a team of super beings which could be controlled, which ultimately led to his apparent death.
- Gary Cody, somehow alive, has recently been sworn into power as Prime Minister of Canada after his party, the Unity Party, won the latest election.
Kerry Patrick
First appearance: Alpha Flight (1st series) #91
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (1st series) #92, 91-92, 97, 101
Title: Department H governmental liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Kerry Patrick became Alpha Flight’s second known governmental liaison, following Alpha Flight and Department H’s reinstatement after the “Sorcerer Affair.”
- Kerry spent some time as Gary Cody’s personal assistant in the early days of Department H.
- Kerry Patrick seemed sympathetic to Alpha Flight’s cause. However, his departure as their liaison was never shown or mentioned.
Gunther
First appearance: Alpha Flight (1st series) #102
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (1st series) #102
Title: Department H governmental liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Gunther was Alpha Flight’s third official governmental liaison to Alpha Flight.
- It is unknown why Gunther took over from Kerry Patrick, or why Gunther’s tenure was so short.
General Jeremy Clarke
First appearance: Alpha Flight (1st series) #87
Last appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #12
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (1st series) #92, 87, 91-92, 97, 101, 117-118, 130, Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1-12
Title: Department H administrator, head of the development and deployment division, de-facto Department H governmental liaison to Alpha Flight, Canadian military liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- General Clarke has had a long and complicated history with Alpha Flight and Department H.
- Beginning his tenure with Department H as its military liaison, the high-ranking government official became their de-facto governmental liaison after the departures of Kerry Patrick and Gunther. After his own tenure as liaison ended, he became the head of the development and deployment division within the restructured Department H, as well as Alpha Flight’s general administrator.
- General Clarke was also involved with the mysterious Department K and its team of operatives, Weapon PRIME.
- General Clarke apparently lost his life when, in a surprise move, he sacrificed himself to shut down a leaking reactor core within Department H.
Mr. Gentry
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #14
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #14-20
Title: Department H governmental liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Gentry replaced General Clarke as Alpha Flight’s liaison, becoming their fifth official liaison.
- Gentry is the former Canadian Prime Minister’s brother-in-law (Gentry’s sister is married to the former PM).
- It is unknown why Gentry no longer appears to be with Department H, considering his good relationship with Alpha Flight and willingness to change things for the better within Department H.
Heather McNeil Hudson
First appearance: Uncanny X-Men #139
All Department H appearances: Wolverine (2nd series) #142-143
Title: Department H Liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Heather stepped down as Vindicator following a re-structure of Alpha Flight.
- During her brief tenure as Alpha Flight’s liaison, she accompanied the team on missions, not unlike Dr. Valerie Cooper, X-Factor’s government liaison, who frequently accompanied the team on assignments.
- Heather’s time as Alpha Flight’s liaison did not last long and, after her pregnancy, she was once again active as Vindicator.
Agent Jeff Brown
First appearance: Omega Flight #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight #0.1
Title: Department H Liaison to Alpha Flight
Notes:
- Agent Brown formerly worked for the Canadian Secret Intelligence Service, and oversaw the formation of the heroic Omega Flight team. He also acted as general administrator to Omega Flight.
There are many different ways one can serve their country, and not everyone is cut out to be a hero risking their live on a daily basis. Some actually serve as a file clerk, a receptionist or an accountant, making sure that those that do live the dangerous lives are provided with the required information and financial backing. The responsibilities of the numerous administrative staff vary a lot, and not everyone is doing their job for the greater good.
Director X
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1-2, 11, 14
Title: Director of Department H
Notes:
- Director X’s office was on the 66th floor of Department H.
- Little is known about the mysterious man known only as Director X, including how long he had been the Director of Department H, nor his true purpose of his sinister schemes at Department H.
- His current status remains unknown.
Edwin
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
Title: Undetermined, Edwin may have been General Clarke’s personal aide.
Notes: none
Coordinator Proctor
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2-4, 14, 18
Title: Chief Administrator of Super Hero Youth Acceleration Program
Notes:
- Proctor was responsible for overseeing the welfare of the younger recruits in Alpha Flight, who were raised at the Hull House Orphanage.
Marla
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #5
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #5
Title: Receptionist
Notes:
- Marla was rather unhelpful when Diamond Lil came looking for her husband Madison Jeffries.
- Marla’s name plate actually said “Jennifer Tartan.”
Hames
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #14
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #14-20
Title: Personal aide to General Gentry
Notes:
- Hames displayed an intricate knowledge of Department H and was loyal to General Gentry as his aide.
- Hames was frequently called “James” by Puck.
Agent Skinner
First appearance: Alpha Flight (3rd series) #8
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (3rd series) #8
Title: Administrator
Notes:
- Agent Skinner’s exact role remains unknown but, with Alpha Flight being less involved with Department H and there being no apparent liaison at the time, he appeared to be some sort of administrator.
Not every member of Alpha Flight can rely on super-human abilities; some of their powers are derived from battle-suits and other technological equipment. To maintain such these combat suits and constantly adapt them to their wearer’s needs, Department H employs a number of scientists. However, they also were to study odd energy sources, chemical substances, occult objects and biological/medical wonders within the numerous scientific divisions. Unfortunately for Alpha Flight, some of these scientists followed their own secret agendas.
Dr. Krypt
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
Title: Doctor of medicine
Notes: none
Dr. Horatio Huxley
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2, 6, 8, 13-20
Title: Head of the Helios Project
Notes:
- Dr. Horatio Huxley is a power-hungry, pompous man who manipulated almost everyone with whom he came in contact.
- Dr. Huxley was responsible for creating the deadly Thetagen-24 bacteria, with which he infected Aurora and Diamond Lil. Also infected was a tourist from New Zealand, who was transformed into the new Weapon X.
- Dr. Huxley left Department H to take up a level 13 position at SHIELD in the United States.
Dr. Ko Bin Su
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2-3, 7-8, 14, 18
Title: Chief Engineer
Notes:
- Chief Engineer Su is the man responsible for creating Heather Hudson’s geothermal Vindicator battle suit.
Dr. Myra Haddock
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #4
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #4-6, 10, 12, 18
Title: Coordinator of the Prometheus Division
Notes:
- Myra and Puck were supposed to go on a date, however Puck’s memory was wiped so he never remembered.
Dr. Edward Jilrout
First appearance: X-Men Unlimited (1st series) #45
Last appearance: X-Men Unlimited (1st series) #45
All Department H appearances: X-Men Unlimited (1st series) #45
Title: Junior scientist
Notes:
- Jilrout was extremely jealous of James Hudson and obsessed with Heather Hudson. He attempted to kill Guardian so that he could take the very pregnant Heather for himself.
When Department H was established as a physical building in Ottawa, with numerous divisions including a brig, Department H employed security personnel. Later, these security personnel were replaced with armored guards, who not only were tasked with securing prisoners and protecting the staff, but also participated in active combat.
Security Officers / Foot Soldiers
First appearance: Alpha Flight (1st series) #102
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (1st series) #102, 104, 119-120
Notes:
- These security officers were often seen in the security wing of the new Department H facility, one of whom was attacked by Headlock.
- The soldiers were no match for the hard-core militants known as Judgment, who invaded Department H.
Epsilons
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #1, 4-6, 9, 12-15, 18-19
Notes:
- The Epsilons wore full body armor that was apparently uncomfortable. Banter between the Epsilons indicates that they replaced the original security officers and that some security officers became Epsilons.
- The Epsilons were responsible for guarding various divisions within the new mysterious era of Department H. They were armed with weapons and were used in combat (including battling the Zodiac), and were sent on missions directed by General Clarke.
- Epsilon is the fifth letter in the Greek alphabet.
Epsilon Black
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #13
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #13-14, 18
Notes:
- The Epsilon Black were rumored to be “cleaners.” Their armor and weapons were much bulkier than the standard Epsilons’.
- An Epsilon Black was sometimes posted in Director X’s office.
Leftenant Power
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #18
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #18
Title: Epsilon Supervisor
Notes: none
Various other staff have been seen over the years in Department H, either in mysterious positions of power or in other, sometimes secret, divisions within Department H.
Beatrice de la Salle
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2-4
Title: Headmistress of Hull House
Notes:
- Miss De Le Salle ran the orphanage, Hull House, where Radius, Flex, Ghost Girl and Murmur all grew up.
Lieutenant Oculus
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #2, 8, 14
Title: Surveillance Specialist
Notes:
- Lt. Oculus was responsible for the team of Department H agents who kept a watch over Alpha Flight and the goings-on inside Department H during its more sinister phase.
Pierre Cloche
First appearance: Maverick #3
All Department H appearances: Maverick #3
Title: Department H head of Foreign Affairs
Notes:
- Cloche gave up his post on a prestigious trade commission to become Department H’s head of foreign affairs
- He was head of foreign affairs for over five years
Basil Kilgrew
First appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #13
Last appearance: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #13
All Department H appearances: Alpha Flight (2nd series) #13
Title: Undetermined, Kilgrew was employed to work on the mysterious Floor 13.
Notes:
- Kilgrew was the man responsible for leaking sensitive information about Department H to Puck.